Pardis has made an exceptional contribution to the development of the new RFR project. She played a pivotal role in bringing together law and biomedical science students, thoughtfully navigating and bridging their differing knowledge bases and academic cultures. Her ability to foster collaboration across these disciplines was invaluable to the successful establishment of the clinic. Pardis was a considerable help to me and the team. In addition, Pardis worked to an exceptionally high standard on a complex case involving vulnerable children. She demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and professionalism, building an excellent rapport with the client and handling all aspects of the case with care, diligence, and insight.
Shaila Pal, Director King's Legal Clinic and Supervising Solicitor
31 March 2026
King's Legal Clinic student shortlisted for Outstanding Pro Bono Contribution award
Pardis Pasdar, a student working across two of King’s Legal Clinic’s initiatives, has been shortlisted for the LawWorks and Attorney General Student Pro Bono Award for ‘Best Contribution by an Individual Law Student’.
The LawWorks and Attorney General Student Pro Bono awards celebrate the best pro bono activities undertaken by law students and law schools from across the UK.
Over the past year, Pardis has played a central role in both the Refugee Family Reunion (RFR) Project and the Health & Homelessness (H&H) Project. Her work has supported highly vulnerable individuals as they navigate complex legal and social challenges.
As part of the RFR project, delivered in partnership with DNA@King’s and Refugee Legal Support (RLS), Pardis contributed to a year‑long family reunion application for vulnerable Afghan children at risk of expulsion in Pakistan. RLS Senior Caseworker Ellie Doyle noted that “the work Pardis produces is excellent. She brings initiative, empathy, and rigour,” adding that she played a key role in progressing the case over time, even after the academic term finished.
Alongside this work, Pardis supported hospital patients experiencing homelessness through the new H&H project, assisting with interviews, documentation, and housing applications. Simone Lionel, Social Work and Vulnerable People Lead at King’s College Hospital, highlighted that Pardis “has consistently brought dignity and clarity to some of our most vulnerable patients.”
In my capacity as supervising solicitor for the H&H project, I have been consistently impressed by her exceptional diligence, care and commitment to our patients. She approaches every case with care, combining legal assistance with practical help. Each of the patients she sees receives high-quality support that has a tangible impact on their safety and stability once discharged from hospital.
Jo Underwood, Supervising Solicitor & Lecturer in Law, King’s Legal Clinic
Before coming to the UK from Iran, Pardis worked with a solicitor supporting Afghan refugees, including engagement with UNHCR processes. This background strengthened her cultural sensitivity and her ability to build trust with clients navigating displacement and instability.
During the summer of 2025, in between academic terms, she undertook an internship with the Kurdish Human Rights Project.
I’m so honoured to be nominated for this award. Working for two projects at the Legal Clinic has been the highlight of my time at King’s. I’ve had the honour of meeting, working with and learning from so many amazing people. Getting to this point would not have been possible without all of their help and guidance. Access to justice should by no means be determined by a person's financial circumstance and to be able to advocate for our clients, to give them a voice and a fair chance, has been a privilege. I’m forever grateful.
Pardis Pasdar, Msc Law and Professional Practice.
Pardis’s contribution reflects the Clinic’s commitment to high‑quality, compassionate legal support and demonstrates the impact of student leadership within interdisciplinary pro bono practice.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the House of Lords on 28 April with the Attorney General, The Rt Hon. Lord Hermer KC.
In this story
Director King's Legal Clinic and Supervising Solicitor
Supervising Solicitor & Lecturer in Law